Matthew Kelly's book "The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity"

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IDK. I just got a copy as one of the local parishes were handing them out for free. Given that I’m still trying to get around to reading the book they handed out last year for free, I don’t know as I’ll have an answer for you on this any time soon.
 
Our parish handed out free copies as well. I wonder who/what prompted this?
 
I’m just starting into it. I haven’t read too far into it, but I already know what he calls a “lie.” The argument sounds like a strawman to me, but I’ll keep reading before commenting further. So far, he’s made some good points about ephemeral vs. spiritual happiness.
 
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Our parish handed out a few thousand copies. I believe Kelly’s ministry does that?
His writing is always straight forward and approachable.
 
His ministry is starting a program called Dynamic Catholic, and we received them as part of this. In fact, my parish is one of 20 in the country who chose to headline this program.

It’s in my “reading queue” at the moment.
 
Yes, lots of parishes are handing these out.

Someone please tug my sleeve when you at least start reading it. I’d love to discuss it with someone. This is my first Matthew Kelly book, believe it or not, and so far his homsey-folksy writing style is driving me nuts-o. :crazy_face: I intend to finish it, though, and hopefully I’ll get something out of it.
 
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That’s Kelly for you. His stuff is really aimed at people who have never really given religion a second thought and think it has nothing to offer. It’s fine, but since I’m not his target audience I’ve not gained much from his writing. I just really hope people reading him who are unfamiliar with Catholicism don’t stop with him and think that’s the full scope of the faith.
 
That’s validating to hear. I can glean a good point here and there, but his tone sounds like he’s talking down to you.

I do think that a LOT of Catholics know very little about the faith, even the regular Mass-goers, so perhaps it is a matter of target audience.
 
I’ve read several Matthew Kelly books (the ones they pass out at our parish), and I really don’t care for them because of the “pat answers” and simplistic ways of approaching life and faith.

It’s like the doctor who tells you, “If you would just lose 50 pounds, you’d be fine.” It’s a lot easier said than done. And when I say this, the doctor says, “Mediterranean diet–most effective. Try it. You’ll lose that flab!”

Yeah, right. I don’t drink wine (or any alcohol), and the only way I’ve been successful after 40 years of marriage at preparing fish is (1) tune noodle casserole and (2) Gorten’s pre-battered deep-fried fillets baked in the oven. At least I prefer lemon juice on those fillets and not tartar sauce, but my chubby husband prefers the tartar sauce.

I really hate pat answers and simple formulas. I’m sure that there are others for whom Matthew Kelly has been a God-send. But my husband and I are not on board.
 
My church gave these out for Christmas. Its an easy read, and gives you some things to think about, helps put things in perspective. Or maybe I was just bored and it was entertaining my mind.
 
That’s something else I find a bit annoying about his message. It almost feels borderline prosperity gospel. While he’s right that following God will ultimately bring us joy that the world can’t give, it’s not an easy path and it’s DEFINITELY not an escape from suffering and sadness. And even though he does acknowledge that in his other works it’s just…I don’t know I’m not a fan of advertising Christianity as a cure for everything that ails us.
 
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I’m halfway through. It’s perfect bathroom reading or small break reading.
Matthew Kelley is very light and not deep or difficult to read writing. That’s not so much a criticism as an observation. If you you want to deeply dive into something profound you will not find that with Matthew. But he does have his place. It is affirming and more focused on almost a self help approach. I enjoy them but I dont expect them to be what they are not. It helps if you read in an Australian accent.
 
RobynP said:
That’s Kelly for you. His stuff is really aimed at people who have never really given religion a second thought and think it has nothing to offer.
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It irks me that they hand such a book out on Christmas assuming everybody there is probably a Chreaster.

Parish churches seem to do a lot of “talking down to people” in general. I realize that they are trying to reach the lowest common denominator and not leave anybody behind, but people are capable of more than this if the churches would simply set the goal a little higher.
 
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Ok, I ended up reading the book, skimming it actually because it’s very fluffy in parts. Here are my impressions:
  • It’s like a diet book where the actual information could be condensed into 5 pages or less and the rest is padding
  • It has some good stories and advice
  • Some of the info dealing with how Jesus really existed, etc is not stuff I needed to know and is actually addressed better on Wikipedia
Overall, if this guy wants to be a consultant, he needs to make his presentation much more short, punchy and to the point. No author will ever do this though, they tend to be wordy and would have to be sent to a business school to be trained to cut it way back.

P.S. if you just want to know what the “Biggest Lie” is, read page 10. If you’re even reading this forum, you’re likely to think it’s glaringly obvious.
 
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I heard Matthew Kelly speak at our parish. He isn’t Aquinas but he isn’t trying to be. His focus is more on those who attend Mass but don’t otherwise engage in their faith. I really like what he is doing to develop teaching materials for the sacraments. One parishioner that I know has read this book and recommends it as good light reading.
 
I have the book, but haven’t yet read it. I heard Matt Kelly speak in Pittsburgh and I enjoyed it. My friend calls it “Catholic lite” but sometimes, that is good. Or I just am not that deep. 😉 He has a good sense of humor that does not come across in his books as much as in person.

My suggestion would be not to give the books out so much as offer them if anyone wants one.

He is not for everyone, but neither is reading Aquinas. They both have their audience.
 
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